President Donald Trump delivered a markedly different speech Friday night at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner, months after a gunman disrupted the original April banquet.
The event was relocated to the Waldorf Astoria with a smaller guest list than the traditional Washington Hilton venue.
Trump acknowledged the speech he prepared for April would have been far more combative.
“Oh, that was going to be a doozy. I was so psyched. I was going to rip people, and I don’t know. Just something changed. It’s really for the better, I just wouldn’t want to do that.”
The president praised members of his administration who showed courage during the April attack, including War Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House border czar Tom Homan.
“Very serious situation, many of you were there with me, and some showed extreme bravery, like Pete Hegseth, Steve Miller, Tom Homan,” Trump said. “They were standing on tables, and most of you were under the tables.”
Trump continued: “I didn’t know if they were brave, if they were smart, if they were stupid as hell. But they were on those tables in some cases, and there were a lot of different feelings going on in the room at that moment.”
Armed suspect Cole Allen rushed past security at the April event and fired at least one round from a 12-gauge shotgun, according to authorities. Secret Service rushed the president and first lady from the room as guests ducked for cover.
The president gave special recognition to Secret Service agent Victor Gonzales, who was shot during the April attack at the Washington Hilton.
“So to Officer Gonzales, Secret Service, Metropolitan Police, law enforcement generally, and even all of the military surrounding us in the room tonight, we salute you and we thank you with all of our hearts.”
The agent received a standing ovation from the crowd.
White House Correspondent Association President Weijia Jiang also addressed the dinner, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the free press despite the April disruption.
“We will not allow an act of violence to have the last word, especially during a year when we are reflecting on the 250th anniversary of America and everything we stand for,” Jiang said.
The remarks come as the nation approaches its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
